Don't Forget

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5 ESV). I was reminded of a very important truth found in our reading today by the following humorous story: A couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. They decide to go to the doctor for a checkup. The doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember. Later that night while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. His wife asks, "Where are you going?" "To the kitchen," he replies. "Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?" "Sure." "Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?" she asks. "No, I can remember it." "Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. You'd better write it down, because you know you'll forget it." He says, "I can remember that! You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries." "I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, so you'd better write it down!" she retorts. Irritated, he says, "I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Leave me alone! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream -- I got it, for goodness sake!" Then he grumbles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes the old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment and says... "Where's my toast? I have found that my level of forgetfulness has increased with the number of birthdays I have celebrated! I prefer to say that it is not a function of age, but just the amount of information that I have had to store in my brain as I get older! At least that sounds better than me simply becoming forgetful. Yet, I find we all become forgetful concerning the things God has blessed us with in our lives. And, it seems it is easier to forget when things are going well than when they aren’t going so well. Maybe we should start to write it down! Personal journaling is a very effective way to both chronicle the work of God in our lives and to remember the blessings we have received through his work. I have some of these journal entries saved in my files that are pretty old. It is amazing to read them after so many years. God’s grace is instantly renewed and refreshed as I read them. If you haven’t written any of these stories yet, start today. It won’t be long until you will find great comfort in both the writing and the later reading of them. It is a wonderful way of making sure we simply don’t forget!